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2,210 Articles
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The world's best gem articles, published weekly.

Most Recent Articles

Tzar - aquamarine
Tzar: Online Faceting Designs and Diagrams

The Tzar gem design by Jeff Graham works best for large, light-colored stones. This cut will make a very interesting, different gemstone.

gemstone birefringence - zircon
What is Gemstone Birefringence?

Gemstone birefringence is a measure of a gem’s double refraction. Learn how it’s used to identify gems and see the effects birefringent gems can display.

cushion-cut painite - Myanmar
Painite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Until 2001, only three painite crystals were known to exist. Since then, additional discoveries have produced many more specimens of this deep red gemstone, but facetable material remains very rare.

papagoite cabochon - Arizona
Papagoite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Cerulean blue papagoite crystals are too small for faceting. However, massive material mixed with quartz can be cabbed, while quartz crystals with papagoite inclusions make striking specimens for collectors.

White Asterism cut - danburite, Mexico
White Asterism: Online Faceting Designs and Diagrams

Danburite is a beautiful but underappreciated gemstone. Jeff Graham’s White Asterism cut can take full advantage of this gem’s qualities. It was voted one of the 12 best designs of 2001 by the Columbia-Willamette Faceter’s Guild.

triangle-cut sapphire - sapphire engagement ring stone
Something Blue: Choosing Sapphire Engagement Ring Stones

Rare, beautiful, and expensive, sapphires will really wow when brides need “something blue.” When you’re shopping for sapphire engagement ring stones, some knowledge of this gem’s optical and physical properties, grading, and varieties might save you some time and money.

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Over 15 years, we have assembled detailed pricing and value information for appraising over 70 different gemstones. The values in our guide come from a variety of sources including primary and secondary gemstone dealers, jewelers, miners, and wholesale suppliers of commonly traded gemstones.

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